Golf practice target device



- Filed June 18, 1962 March 9, 1965 M. L. SLIMOVITZ 3 GOLF PRACTICE TARGET DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. I

a? 25 27 25 r v 1200' v vl v/59 23 1 57 INVENTOR, Morris L. Slimovitz March 9, 1965 M. SLIMOVITZ GOLF PRACTICE TARGET DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 18, 1962 F'IG.4

FIG. 3

March 9, 1965 M. L. SLIMOVITZ com PRACTICE TARGET DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 18, 1962 FIG. 6

United States Patent O 3,172,290 GGLF PRACTICE TARGET DEVICE Morris L. Slirnovitz, R0. 30:; 219, Newhern, Tenn. Filed June 18, 1962, SerrNo. 203,154 3 (Ilaims. (Cl. 73-379) This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in target devices, particularly those target devices adapted for use in conjunction with golf practice enabling a golfer desiring to improve his skills to make practice golf shots into the target device and to receive a record of the efliciency of the shots which have been made by him.

There have been numerous devices heretofore conceived which related to usage in practice of golf shots, but which have proven commercially unsuccessful primarily on account of the involvement and expense in the device proposed. The present device is one of simple structure which may economically be fabricated and which may simply be erected and moved to a new point of erection if desired by the user thereof.

The present device is intended to provide a net-like target area which is travelingly supported upon a carriage means in such a manner that the fore and aft movement of the net-like target device under impact from a golf ball hit thereinto is automatically equalized by the arrangement of the device so that it will travel equally and without vertical twisting to such distance as is forced by the impact and force of the ball hit thereinto. This is in sharp contrast to prior devices which have failed to provide for equal movement of a target device relative to the force of a ball hit thereinto and have resulted, in many instances where as is so often true with a golfer a ball is hit off center, in an imperfect operation of the device.

The invention further contemplates that when the device has been used the target member returns to normal target position under the force of gravity by virtue of the inclination of trackways upon which it is supported. It is also found that in many instances a device of this sort may readily be utilized for game purposes by superposing an additional aim object upon such a net-like device as that which is herein proposed, with a variety of switch members being disposed about the'superposed element so that upon striking a selected switch a certain score may be recorded upon the device. Such supplemental member is preferably accompanied by a bank of signal lights indicating the score which has been achieved by the action of the player striking into the target area.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel target device for golf practice and the like.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a device which comprises a net-like area mounted swingably upon a central support carriage means disposed above the center of the device, which support is mounted upon inclined trackways for movement fore and aft relative to the trackways, moving rearwardly under the impact of a ball driven into the net, and returning by gravity down the incline of the trackways.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a device in which an indicator is connected to the target area for activation upon rearward movement of the target area through impact of the driven golf ball and which includes means for returning the indicator to normal or neutral position prior to the next succeeding golf shot.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a device in which a target area is mounted upon inclined trackways and includes means for equalizing the line of rearward travel of the target area under golf ball impact.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a device which includes an additional aim area which is electrically connected with signal meansfor selective and collective energization of the signal means under golf ball impact.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a device which is supported upon davit-like supports which may be detachably connected with a suitable support surface.

A further obiect of the invention is generally to improve the design, construotion and efiiciency of target devices adaptable for use in golf practice.

The means by which the foregoing and other objects of the present invention are accomplished and the manner of their accomplishment will be readily understood from the following specification upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a typical embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the device as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view from one side of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view from the opposite side of the device.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view illustrating the arrangement of the travel controlling cables and pulleys for the target device.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a variation in the invention.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken as on the line VlI-VII of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating the preferred embodiment of the electrical connections for the variation illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring now to the drawings in which the various parts are indicated by numerals, the device of the present invention is supported preferably upon a pair of substantially davit-shaped standards 11, 13. Each of standards 11, 13 comprises a substantially upright main portion 15. To the lower end of each of uprights 15 is fixed a suitable foot 17, which may, as is shown in the present embodiment, comprise a plurality of legs extending outwardly from the upright of the standard, and which enables the ready fixing of the foot 17 to a suitable supporting surface 19, which may be a floor or the ground or other suitable surface, as by attachment means 21 which may comprise screws or bolts or spikes as the conditions may require.

At the upper end of uprights 15 of the respective standards each of the standards is provided with a forwardly projecting arm 23, and to each of arms 23 is rigidly connected a forwardly extending trackway 25. Arms 23 and trackways 25 rigidly connected to and sup-ported thereby incline downwardly forwardly away from uprights 15 of the respective standards-11, 13.

Trackways 25 are preferablyformed as upwardly open channelways, within which are received rollers 27 which are reliably mounted upon trackways 25 and which are connectediwith-a peripheral framework 29, which is Preferably of rectangular shape and upon which is mounted a suitable netting 31, frame 2% and netting 31 providing a target area for the reception of the impact of devices such as driven golf balls.

Rollers 27 are connected to the sides of frame 29, as best shown in the drawings, substantially above the center line of the framework so that the major portion of the target defined by frame'29 and netting 31 is disposed below the rollers 27 and a minor portion of the target is disposed thereabove whereby the target is swingably disposed upon the rollers as supported'by trackways 25, and is adapted to return under the force of gravity to a substantially vertical position as shown in the drawings. Rollers 27 are rollably mounted in the trackways 25, so that upon a force being applied to the forward portion of the target area defined by the frame 29 and netting 31, the target area may be moved rearwardly along trackways 25 with the rollers maintaining rolling contact therewith.

It will be observed that each of the trackways 25 is inclined forwardly and downwardly away from uprights so that the force of gravity urges the return of the target area downwardly and forwardly after the force of the impact of a device such as a driven golf ball has been relieved. Thus it will be seen that there is provided a target area reliably and swingably mounted upon a pair of supporting trackways so that, upon reception of the impact of a driven golf ball, the target area may be moved rearwardly away from the forward end of the trackway and upwardly along the incline of the trackway to return to normal beginning position when the force of the impact has been relieved.

In many instances the impact of a golf ball driven into the targetarea will not be properly centered, but may be to one side or to top or bottom as the case may be. In such circumstances, if the force of the impact is below the pivot axis defined by the rollers 27, the target area will be swungback along the pivot axis of the rollers and also will be moved backwardly, thus reducing the force of the impact. Similarly, if the impact i above the axis of the rollers 27, the target will be tilted about the rollers, but will also be moved backwardly and the force will be somewhat compensated for.

If the force of the impact is in the central area of the target there is little swinging effect upon the target about the rollers 27, and the primary force is exerted to move the target rearwardly along the trackways. As is well known, when a golf shot is struck and delivered, it may deviate from its direct course to the right or to the left, and in many golf practice devices such a deviation of a shot when hit by the person striking the practice shots has resulted in a cocking or twisting of the target device to such an extent that it will not move properly to accomplish its purposes.

For this reason the present invention encompasses a control system for the movement of the target device, which comprises a series of cables trained over pulleys and coupled with the framework of the movable target in such manner as to equalize the movement of the target rearwardly without substantial deviation about a vertical axis, which might tend to jam the device under use.

In this connection, target frame 29 at its opposite sides is coupled to, respectively, a cable portion 33, and an opposite cable portion 35. Cable portion 33 is connected to a rearward cable portion 37, cable portion 33 extending around a pulley 39 mounted on standard 11, into con nection with cable portion 37. Cable portion 37 extends across the rear of the device and about a pulley 41 on standard 13, and thence into communication with a forwardly extending cable portion 43, which extends forwardly about a pulley 45 on a trackway and thence into communication with cable portion 35. Cable portion extends rearwardly about an additional pulley 47 on standard 13, and thence by a rear cable portion 49, which passes around a pulley 51 on standard 11, and by a cable portion 53, is connected around an additional pulley 55 on the other trackway 25 into connection with cable portion 33.

Thus it will be seen that target frame 29 is connected to the pulley setup in such a manner that, regardless of what area of the target is struck by the impact of the driven golf ball, the movement of the target rearwardly along trackways 25 is equalized and is maintained in an equal movement along the pivot axis defined by the rollers 27. For example, if a driven golf ball strikes into the target area below the pivot axis of rollers 27, the target is swung rearwardly about the horizontal axis defined by the rollers, and in addition the rearward impact imparted by the driven golf ball effects a movement of the target area rearwardly along the trackways, which movement is equalized through the arrangement of the cables and pulleys as just described. If the force of the impact is in excess to one side, as for example to the lefthand side of the'device as seen in the drawings, the movement of the target frame coupled to the cables is such that the movement imparted to cable portion 33 is thus transmitted to move cable portion 37 to the right of the device being correspondingly imparted to cable portion 43 and thence to cable portion 55, a pull being also exerted upon cable portion 53 which acts upon cable portion 49 and cooperates with the previous movement in order to move the righthand portion of frame 29 equally rearwardly with the left hand portion thereof.

It the driven golf ball impacts the target area substantially near the pivotal axis defined by rollers 27 the force of the impact drives the target area a substantial distance rearwardly along trackways 25. If the impact is below the pivotal axis, the force is dissipated to a graduated extent depending upon the swing of the target rearwardly under the impact below the pivotal area, and the rearward movement of the target is thus reduced. Similarly, if the impact of the driven golf ball is above the pivotal axis defined by the rollers, a corresponding reduction in the rearward driving force results.

In one embodiment of the invention as shown in the drawings, an indicator device may be coupled to the target frame in order that, upon rearward movement of the target frame, an indicator arm 57 may be moved across an indicator panel 59, indicator panel 59 being preferably provided with a suitable calibration for indicating upon movement of the indicator arm the approximate measurement of the distance to be achieved by the force of the impact and the direction thereof upon the target area. The laterally outer end of the indicator panel may be supported by a pedestal 60 and for convenience a pull cord 61 is connected to indicator arm 57, and may be utilized to return the indicator arm to an original position after the completion of a particular shot or shots.

After a specific shot has been struck into the target area and the target has been moved rearwardly upwardly along the incline of trackways 25, upon the conclusion thereof the target area returns by gravity along the downward incline of the trackways to its original position. It will be noted that when the target area frame returns to its original position its has no effect upon the indicator arm 57 which remains in advanced position until such time as a device such as the pull cord 61 is operated thereupon to remove it and return it to its original position and condition.

In another adaptation of the device, an electrically connected target may be mounted upon the target area defined by frame 29 and netting 31, and may be connected in such manner as to successively indicate the skill of the stroke which has been struck thereinto in such a manner as to provide a game device which may be utilized for competitive purposes. In this connection, a supple mental target 63 is mounted upon target netting 31, as best shown in FIG. 6.

Carried by and spaced forwardly from supplemental target 63 are a plurality of indicator discs 65, which may include the discs D10, D20, D30, D40, D50, D60, D100. Each of the indicator discs 65, such as those above identified, is spaced forwardly away from supplemental target 63, with springs 67 urging the respective discs into such spaced relation away from the target, and with the target 63 and the area underlying each of the discs being provided with an adhesive pad 69, and each of discs 65 is provided with a mating adhesive pad 71, so that when any of discs 65 is moved into engagement with target 63 the adhesive pads 69, 71 of the disc and of the target are moved into mating adhering connection so as to hold the indicator disc in depressed position against the target 63. Thus the supplemental target 63 with the indicator discs carried thereby may be mounted upon the netting 31 and provide a target for competitive games of skill inconnection with golf shots.

Each of discs-65 includes a switch'adapted upon depression into contact with target 63 to effect closing of one or more signal circuits. For this purpose each of the discs D10, D20, D30, D40, D50, D60, D100 may be indicated, as shown in FIG. 6, with the respective score numerals 1O, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 100. The switch element S is carried by the disc D10 indicated by-the score numeral 10. On another disc D20 indicated by 20, the switch is indicated as S20; similarly for S30, S40,S50, S60 and S100, respectively indicating switches mounted upon the indicator discs 65, D30, D40, D50, D60, D100, bearing the respective scoring numerals just mentioned. Eachof these switches is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and'diagrammed in FIG. 8, disposed so that striking of the indicator disc 65 by a golf shot will effect completion of the circuit and will light a suitable signal indicator or other visual or audible device, such as the lights L10, L20, L30, L40, L50, L60, L100. It is also contemplated, in order that the game may be a competitive game, that the discs and the switches carried thereby should be so arranged in parallel that upon the striking of a selected disc 65' a selected light or lights or other signal will be energized and will remain in energized condition until the adhesed condition of the switch has been relieved.

For ease of assembly and mounting a cable 73 including a multiplicity of'electrical lines extends away from the target area and toward 'the indicators, and is suitably connected to the respective switches mounted in conjunction with the indicator'discs 65; Thus when the switch S10 is closed, light L10 will be energized; and when switch S20 is closed, lights L20'and L10 will be energized; and similarly, that successively as the switches are closed the lights will be collectively energized. Thus when switch S30 is closed, light L30 and lights L20 and L10 are energized; when the switch S40 is closed, light L40 and lights L30, L20 and L10 are energized; when the switch S50 is closed, light L50 and lights L40, L30, L20 and L10 are energized; also when the switch S60 is closed, light L60 and lights L50, L40, L30, L20 and L10 are energized; and when the switch S100 is closed, light L100 and the remaining lights areenergized.

Thus it will be seen that, upon the selective-energizertion of the signals represented by the respective lights mentioned above, an accurate result may be recorded useful for game purposes. In order so'selectively to energize the series of lights L10, L20, L30, L40, L50, L60 and L100 in the manner suggested, it is necessary that the switches S10, S20, S30, S40, S50, S60, S100 be properly coupled to the respective indicating lights.

The supplemental target 63 and the indicator discs 65 carried thereby together with the switch elements which are coupled thereto are electrically arranged such as is shown in the diagram illustrated in FIG. 8 of the drawings. Therefore, a suitable source of power, such as the battery B, is provided, to which are electrically coupled the respective switches and signals mentioned hereinabove.

From the negative pole of battery B is provided a main line 74, and from the positive pole of battery B is provided a main line 75. To line 74 are electrically coupled the respective switches S10, S20, S40, S50, S60 and S100, and if it is desired to add additional switches and additional circuits for additional signal indicators, it is apparent that they may be coupled to the line 74. All of the switches are single throw switches, with the switch S10 being a single throw, single pole switch; the switch S20, a single throw, double pole switch; and the 6 switches S30, S40, S50,- S60, S100 being, respectively, multiple pole single "throw switches, the switch S30 being a three pole, the switch 840a four pole, and soforth.

One side of each of the signals L10, L20, L30, L40, L50, L00 and L100 is connected to mainline 75,'and thus is connected to battery B;

The other side of signal L10 is connected as at 76 to the pole 77 of switch S10: Signal L10'is also connected as at 76 through lead 78 to an additional line 79.-

Signal L20 is connected as at 80 to one pole 01 of switch S20, and is also connected as at 80 through lead 82'to a line 83, by-which it is also connected to switches S30, S40, S50, 560,-8100. The second pole 84 of switch S20 is connected by a -lead 85 to line 79,- and thus pole 84 is connected also to signal L10.

Signal L30 is connected as at 86 to pole-87 of switch S30, and "is-additionallyconneoted' as at fidby'a lead 88 to a line 89 which interconnects with poles of the remaining switches S40, S50,- S60, $100. A second pole 90 of switch S30 is connected by a lead 91'to lead 82and thus is connected to signal L20; The third pole 92 is coupled by a lead 93 to line 79 and thusis also coupled to signal L l0 through lead 78 and connection-76.

Signal L40 is connected as at- 94 to pole 9513f switch S40, and by lead 96 is connected'to line 97 which is also connected to poles ofswitches'S50, S60 and S100. A second pole-980i switch S40 isconnected to line 89 as by a lead 09,- and thus'is connected to signal L30. A third pole 100 cfswitch-S40 is connected by a lead 101 to line 33 and thus is also connected to signal L20. The fourth pole 1020f swi-tchS40 is connected'a-s by 'a lead 103 to line 79- and thus-is also connected to signal L10.

Similarly signal-L50 is connected as at 104 we pole 105' of switch 850. Signal L50 is also connected as at 104 by a lead ltln to a line 107, whichfurtherinterconnects with poles of theswitches S60 andS100; Asecond pole 108 ofswitch 'S50-is connected by a lead 100 to line 97 and thus is also connected to signal L40. A third pole 110 of switch S50 is connected by a'lead 111 to line 87 and thus is-connected-"to signal L30: A'fourth pole 112 of switch 550' is connected by a'lead 113 to line 83 and thus is connected to signal L20, and pole 1140f switch S50 is connected by lead 115 to line 79,- and thus is connected to signal L10;

Signal L60 is connected as at 116 to'a pole 117 of switch S00. It further'is connectedas at 116'by-a'lead 118 to a 1ine'119 which connects also to a pole of switch S100. A second pole 120 of switch S60- is-connected as by a lead 121 to 'line 107, and thus is connected with signal L50. A third pole 122 of switch Stl is connected by a lead 123 to line-97 and thus is connectedto signal L40. An additional pole 124 of switch S60 is connected by a lead 125 to line'89 and thusis connected to signal L30. An additional pole 126 of switch-S00 is connected by a lead127 to line 83 and thus is connected to signal L20, and pole 120 of switch S60 is connected by a lead 129 to line 79 and thus is connected to signal L10.

Signal L100 is connected as at 130 to a pole 131 of switch S100. A second pole 132 of switch S100 is connected to line 119 and thus is connected with signal L60. A third pole 133 of switch S100 is connected to line 107 and thus to signal L50; pole 134 is connected to line 97 and thus to signal L40; pole 135 is connected to line 89 and thus to signal L30; pole 136 is connected to line 03 and thus to signal L20; and pole 137 is connected to line 79 and thus to signal L10,

Thus it will be seen that the respective signals L10, L20, L30, L40, L50, L60 and L100 are electrically connected to the respective switches in such manner that, upon the selected closing of a switch, one or more of the signals will be energized. As can readily be seen if the switch S100 is closed, all of the signals will be energized conjointly. If others of the switches are closed, respectively lesser numbers of signals are energized. Thus, for example, if the switch S30 is closed, the signals L10, L20,

L30 are energized, but the remaining signals are unaffected. Therefore, the supplemental device may readily be used as a game for the compiling of competitive scores.

I claim:

1. A golf practice device comprising a pair of spaced apart standards, each said standard having a forwardly extending and downwardly inclined arm, said arms respectively including similarly inclined trackways, an upright target comprising a yieldable netting disposed between said standards, a pair of rollers respectively connected to the opposite sides of said target and shiftably mounted on said trackways, said rollers swingably supporting said target and being connected to said target on a common axis transverse said target and above the transverse midline of said target with the major portion of said target extending below said axis whereby said target is gravity biased to return to upright position after swinging movement about said transverse axis, cable means continuously trained about the rearward and forward parts of said arms and extending transversely between said rearward arm parts, means connecting said cable means to said target adjacent the respective said rollers for controlling skew position of said target during fore and aft movement of said target along said trackways, said cable means extending respectively oppositely from said connecting means about pulleys positioned on said rearward and forward parts of said arms and being continuous in double flight relation for opposite movement of the respective flights of said cable means, said rearward and forward arm parts being spaced apart fore and aft, said continuous cable means interacting to impart substantially uniform movement under impact force to the opposite sides of said target, said target being moved aft along said trackways under impact force of a golf ball propelled thereinto, the incline of said trackways urging return fore movement of said target to initial position, and indicator means coupled to said target indicating impact force against said target.

2. A golf practice device comprising a pair of spaced apart standards, each said standard having a forwardly extending and downwardly inclined arm, said arms respectively including similarly inclined trackways, an upright target disposed between said standards, a pair of rollers respectively connected to the opposite sides of said target and shiftably mounted on said trackways, said rollers swingably supporting said target and being connected to said target on a common axis transverse said target and above the transverse midline of said target with the major portion of said target extending below said axis whereby said target is gravity biased to return to upright position after swinging movement about said transverse axis, cable means continuously trained about the rearward and forward parts of said arms and extending transversely between said rearward arm parts, means connecting said cable means to said target adjacent the respective said rollers for controlling skew position of said target during fore and aft movement of said target along said trackways, said cable means extending respectively oppositely from said connecting means about pulleys positioned on said rearward and forward parts of said arms and being continuous in double flight relation for opposite movement of the respective flights of said cable means, said rearward and forward arm parts being spaced apart fore and aft, said continuous cable means interacting to impart substantially uniform movement under impact force to the opposite sides of said target, said target being moved aft along said trackways under impact force of a golf ball propelled thereinto, the incline of said trackways urging return fore movement of said target to initial position, and indicator means coupled to said target indicating impact force against said target.

3. A practice device comprising a pair of spaced apart standards, each said standard having a forwardly extending arm, said arms respectively including forwardly and downwardly inclined trackways, an upright target disposed between said standards, a pair of rollers respectively connected to the opposite sides of said target and shiftably mounted on said trackways, said rollers swingably supporting said target and being connected to said target on a common axis transverse said target with a substantial portion of said target extending below said axis whereby said target is gravity based to return to upright position after swinging movement about said transverse axis, cable means continuously trained about the rearward and forward parts of said arms and extending transversely between said rearward arm parts, means connecting said cable means to said target adjacent the respective said rollers for controlling skew position of said target during fore and aft movement of said target along said trackways, said cable means extending respectively oppositely from said connecting means about pulleys po sitionecl on said rearward and forward parts of said arms and being continuous in double flight relation for opposite movement of the respective flights of said cable means, said rearward and forward arm parts being spaced apart fore and aft, said continuous cable means interacting to impart substantially uniform movement under impact force to the opposite sides of said target, said target being moved aft along said trackways under impact force of a ball propelled thereinto, the incline of said t'rackways urging return fore movement of said target to initial position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,960,113 5/34 Kohirogawa 73-379 1,989,165 1/35 Brown 73379 RICHARD C. QUEISSER, Primary Examiner.

JOSEPH P. STRIZAK, Examiner. 

1. A GOLF PRACTICE DEVICE COMPRISING A PAIR OF SPACED APART STANDARDS, EACH SAID STANDARD HAVING A FORWARDLY EXTENDING AND DOWNWARDLY INCLINED ARM, SAID ARMS RESPECTIVELY INCLUDING SIMILARLY INCLINED TRACKWAYS, AN UPRIGHT TARGET COMPRISING A YIELDABLE NETTING DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID STANDARDS, A PAIR OF ROLLERS RESPECTIVELY CONNECTED TO THE OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID TARGET AND SHIFTABLY MOUNTED ON SAID TRACKWAYS, SAID ROLLERS SWINGABLY SUPPORTING SAID TARGET AND BEING CONNECTED TO SAID TARGET ON A COMMON AXIS TRANSVERSE SAID TARGET AND ABOVE THE TRANSVERSE MIDLINE OF SAID TARGET WITH THE MAJOR PORTION OF SAID TARGET EXTENDING BELOW SAID AXIS WHEREBY SAID TARGET IS GRAVITY BIASED TO RETURN TO UPRIGHT POSITION AFTER SWINGING MOVEMENT ABOUT SAID TRANSVERSE AXIS, CABLE MEANS CONTINUOUSLY TRAINED ABOUT THE REARWARD AND FORWARD PARTS OF SAID ARMS AND EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY BETWEEN SAID REARWARD ARM PARTS, MEANS CONNECTING SAID CABLE MEANS TO SAID TARGET ADJACENT THE RESPECTIVE SAID ROLLERS FOR CONTROLLING SKEW POSITION OF SAID TARGET DURING FORE AND AFT 